NFL Player Makes Big Donation to Minneapolis Youth Football

Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. plays for the Arizona Cardinals as a wide receiver, but he started his football career here in Minnesota where he was born and raised.

To give back he's put on football camps and spoken to youth groups, but this time, his father, Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. says his son is surely looking out for others.

"Helmets that fit. That's so important because some have helmets a little to big and when you are playing a contact sport, it's got to be right," Fitzgerald Sr. Said.

Well, Fitzgerald Jr. and Riddell helmets are doing just that, they have teamed up to donate a 1,000 helmets to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's football programs.

The city operates 49 year-round, neighborhood-based Recreation Centers. 37 of which have football teams. This year the league has 900 kids playing.

"They don't have to come play with uniforms, pads or helmets or anything. We equip every kid that wants to play," MiMi Kalb of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation said.

Kalb says, at the end of every season all their helmets are inspected. The helmets will either be overhauled or thrown out.

Concussions are a big concern.

"We do have mandatory concussion training for all of our full time staff. Our coaches have to go through as part of their certification program, they can't coach until they do it, and our officials that are on the field," Kalb said.

Kalb says, the donation will help her budget. But most of all it will provide kids a safe way to enjoy the game of football.